Designer outlet's global appeal

THE designer outlet at South Normanton reported a 20 per cent increase in the number of tourists spending money in its stores during 2013.

Shoppers from Thailand, Pakistan, Nigeria and Hong Kong flocked to McArthurGlen. Sales to visitors from the USA also surged, increasing by 79 per cent.

Chinese shoppers continued to represent the highest proportion of total international spend.

Kenny Murray, centre manager at McArthurGlen's East Midlands, said: "As the importance of the international market grows, we are developing our strategy to accommodate these global shoppers in the hopes to continue the growth in the local economy."